GLOUCESTERSHIRE all-rounder Jack Taylor has had his suspension from bowling for England and in competitive county cricket lifted by the ECB.

This follows a reassessment as permitted within the ECB regulations that was carried out last week. A period of remedial work was undertaken by Taylor on his bowling action after an initial analysis last May, when it was reported as illegal, forcing him to miss the rest of the season.

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell said: "This is great news and a lot of credit must go to Jack himself for the dedication and determination he has shown throughout what must have been a very tough time in his life.

"I must thank our coaching staff. In particular, (former) specialist spin bowling coach, Richard Dawson, who has put in hour after hour with Jack and Chris Bodman for his work on mind management.

“Lastly, thanks to the University of Gloucestershire for allowing us access to their first class 3D test facilities.

"Jack can now get on with his career."

Gloucestershire have been given a further boost by the news that seam bowler Ian Saxelby is on course to be fit for the start of the new season.

Saxelby missed the entire 2013 campaign after having surgery on his right bicep.

Bracewell said: “We are reasonably confident with the way Ian is going at the moment. He is bowling regularly now and getting stronger with every session.

“He still suffers a bit of stiffness and soreness at times, but we are hopeful that he will be available for selection in our opening match of the season.

“It’s a day-by-day thing and Ian will need to play in the warm-up games if he is to be considered simply because he has been out of action for so long.

“He has to be able to get through four days of cricket, get on the road and then play another four days because that is pretty much the schedule for the first three months of the season.”